The Hawk's Shadow: Black Earth

By M.S. Verish

In the aftermath of the events surrounding the Ravenstone, the tracker named Hawkwing and the former bandit known as the White Demon try to evade a clandestine organization known as the Seroko.

**The Hawk's Shadow is a short story**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Night Apple Creations
• Release date: May 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533758828

M.S. Verish

M.S. Verish, better known as Matthew and Stefanie Verish, are co-authors as well as husband and wife. They knew they were destined for marriage when they could write together without killing each other. Their writing partnership has rewarded them with wonderful journeys into the realm of fantasy, culminating in their epic world, Secramore. The couple shares a love of nature and art and lives in Northeast Ohio with their Kirin and large family of cavies.

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The Hawk’s Shadow

THE HAWK’S SHADOW

A TALE FROM SECRAMORE

M.S. VERISH

Night Apple Creations

The Hawk’s Shadow: A Tale from Secramore

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or are used fictitiously.

No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the authors.

All rights reserved

Copyright 2016 by Night Apple Creations

nightapplecreations.com

Written by M.S. Verish

Edited by Night Apple Creations

Cover, map, and interior art by Stefanie Verish

(e)Book layout by Night Apple Creations

Author photo by Denise Costanzo

First published: 02/23/2016

~WORLD OF SECRAMORE~

Legend of the Ravenstone - Ravenstone

Curse of the Ravenstone - Ravenstone

(The Hawk’s Shadow - Short Story)

Dawning - Black Earth

Meridian - Black Earth

Nightfall - Black Earth

The Silver Sigil - Origins

The Dark Tide - Origins

* Cataclysm - Series Conclusion *

* Forthcoming *

CONTENTS

The Hawk’s Shadow

The Adventure Continues

About the Authors

World MapNorthern MapA Tale From Secramore

THE HAWK’S SHADOW

The flames in the hearth flared, a peculiar violet light staining the amber tongues but for a moment. The surge of heat enticed skinny white fingers from beneath the heavy black cloak to reach for the flames as if to stroke them. The rest of the huddled form remained concealed, though no one else was as near the hearth to pry at the face beneath the hood.

You’re in Braidell, the barkeeper addressed the tall, gaunt man before him. It’s another ten miles before you reach Rasdin, if you head north.

Hawkwing took off his hat and shook his head. What about south?

The Kingdoms?

Belorn.

That’s a bit more of a trek.

I would be willing to pay for victuals, if you can supply them. The tracker set a purse upon the counter, and the barkeeper stared.

How soon are you leaving?

Hawkwing met the man’s gaze. How soon can you assist me? He pushed the purse across the counter and allowed the man to inspect its contents.

The barkeeper looked up and studied him, then gave a whistle to a young man who had been gathering empty tankards from the tables. I’d like you to tend to this gentleman’s needs. Mister….

Hawkwing, the tracker supplied, rubbing his thick beard.

Help Mr. Hawkwing gather what he wants for his journey south.

A horse? the tracker asked.

The barkeeper nodded. He turned to the young man. Start him at the stables.

Hawkwing tipped his hat and followed the youth out of the tavern.

The shrouded figure near the hearth turned its head and reluctantly withdrew from the flames. It slung a pair of boots over a narrow shoulder and left the room without anyone’s notice.

Where are we going?

Hawkwing patted the mare’s neck with a shaky hand. "Eventually we’ll head north into the